Seven Lady Braves net All-League honors

It was no accident the La Conner High volleyball team went undefeated in NW2B play en route to the fourth State championship in program history.

Consider that seven La Conner players were All-League selections in recent polling of conference players and coaches.

Leading the way was senior Matty Lagerwey, voted the NW2B Most Valuable Player for 2018.

The versatile Lagerwey, a 5’-7” middle blocker and outside hitter, was just as solid in post-season after having played a key role in La Conner’s perfect 10-0 run through its NW2B schedule.

Lagerwey was named Player of the Match in La Conner’s 3-1 State title round victory over Mossyrock at the Sun Dome in Yakima.

“Matty helped lead our team to the 2B State title,” La Conner’s Hall of Fame head coach Suzanne Marble said afterward. “As our only senior, Matty had one goal in mind going into the (State Tournament) weekend and that was to bring home a State Championship.”

That was clearly evident in the match with Mossyrock.

“Matty had one of the best matches of her senior year,” said Marble, “competing for every point.”

Her final stat line read 27 kills, 34 digs, six blocks, 15-of-16 serving with a pair of aces, and 21-of-22 on serve receive.

Juniors Justine Benson, Joanie Benson, and Morgan Herrera joined Lagerwey on the All-NW2B first team.

Justine Benson, a 5’8” setter, ignited the Lady Braves attack all season – including at Yakima, where she was chosen Player of the Match in La Conner’s opening round straight-sets sweep of Manson.

She recorded 24 assists, three kills, and two aces on flawless 17-of-17 serving.

“Justine had one of the best matches of her junior year against Manson,” Marble said. “Winning set one 25-5 gave her the confidence to take more risks and involve the entire team in our match. It was a great opening match for Justine.”

Joanie Benson, a 5’-7” hitter, and Herrera, a 5’-9” hitter, both were strong at the net and from the service stripe, providing La Conner two more players who filled the stat sheet on a regular basis.

Freshman libero Rachel Cram, who had the tough assignment of replacing graduated NW2B co-MVP Sage Burgmeier, responded with an outstanding first season for the Lady Braves. The 5’-3” defensive standout was tabbed for the All-League second unit.

Katie Watkins, a 5’-8” sophomore outside hitter, and 5’-7” freshman right-side hitter Emma Keller garnered All-NW2B honorable mention recognition for La Conner, each selected for effectively attacking and blocking during their front line shifts.

Marble was equally proud of her charges for having won the league’s Team Sportsmanship Award this season.

That honor showed La Conner not only won each time out, but did so with class.